Feeling the heat? These simple changes could cut your summer power bill

As temperatures rise across coastal Georgia, so can the cost of keeping homes cool. Energy experts say a handful of simple steps can help homeowners reduce electricity use and avoid higher monthly power bills during the hottest months of the year.

According to Georgia Power, heating and cooling account for roughly half of the average residential customer’s monthly electricity usage.

“For the average residential customer, about 50% of your monthly power usage is going to come from your HVAC system, your heating and cooling system,” Georgia Power spokesperson Joshua Peacock said.

One of the most effective ways to keep energy costs down is making sure the air conditioning system is operating efficiently.

Peacock recommends regular maintenance to ensure the system is running properly.

“If you haven’t had regular maintenance, please do that,” Peacock said. “Make sure it’s running efficiently. If it’s running inefficiently, that could really spike your bill.”

Georgia Power also encourages customers to follow what it calls the “20-degree rule.” Officials say most residential cooling systems are designed to cool a home by about 20 degrees below the outdoor temperature, so setting the thermostat significantly lower can cause the system to run longer without providing much additional comfort.

For example, if it’s 90 degrees outside, Peacock said homeowners should avoid setting the thermostat below about 70 degrees.

Small changes around the house can also make a difference. Keeping air vents open, closing blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day, and avoiding heat-producing appliances during peak afternoon hours can reduce the strain on an air conditioning system.

“We recommend you don’t run large appliances — your oven or your dryer — before 2 p.m. or after 7 p.m.,” Peacock said. “That way you’re not producing extra heat inside your house, and your HVAC system isn’t straining.”

For owners of older homes — including many historic properties throughout coastal Georgia — Peacock said a professional energy assessment can identify ways to improve efficiency and lower energy costs over time.

“I really recommend bringing in a professional to do an assessment,” Peacock said. “They can tell you what might make your house more energy efficient and therefore impact your monthly energy bill.”